Northern Region

Rowing SafetyJohn Mulholland

Regional Rowing Safety Adviser

Programme

• Safety Culture• Events• Safety Alerts• Audits• Incidents• Equipment• Skills• Umpiring

Safety Culture• Denial

– We have no safety problems!

• Pathological– Who cares as long as we’re not caught!

• Reactive– Safety is important; we do a lot every time we have an accident!

• Calculative– We have systems in place to manage all hazards.

• Proactive– Safety leadership and values drive continuous improvement.

• Generative– Safety is how we do business round here.

Events

• All BR Events should have ERSA– Names to RRSA a.s.a.p.

• Risk Assessment and Safety Plans to RRSA – at least 8 weeks before Event– I will review any areas of concern with ERSA

• Event must be sanctioned by Region• Private matches should follow the same basic

principles to ensure their safety

Safety Alerts

• On British Rowing website• Junior Ergos

Audits

• New system – for one year only!• They are your documents – to help you• I assume you have been honest• I am not a policeman• I want to help you improve

Incidents

• Very few reported – 131– Simple capsize – 67– Collision – 36– Others - 28

• Wing-rigger mounting incidents• Clubs – 40 of which 35 are active• Makes rowing look unsafe• Why do incidents occur?

Incidents

• 77% caused by human error– 35% poor lookout– 13% non-adherence to local code– 23% both the above combined!– 10% poor steering

• Keep a good lookout• How many strokes between views?• If in doubt, SHOUT!

Equipment

• Launch Safety• Life Jackets• Trailers• Lighting• Boat

Launch Safety

• Life Jacket• Kill cord• Starter interlock• Launch Bag• Training

Life Jackets

• Must be worn• Fitted correctly• Crotch strap• Maintenance– Visual check for damage– Cylinder checks for tightness and corrosion– Webbing check for damage– Inflation check with pump

Trailers & Roof Racks

• Every club should have a guidance leaflet• Tow with an appropriate vehicle• Check cable ties for damage• Lights or flags on overhangs, including sides• Drivers should be trained in towing• Trailers must be maintained

Lighting

• Night and poor visibility• ColRegs: White all-round, flashing on bow• Wear at Durham; white front, red rear• Wear bright clothing at bow• Minimum visibility 200m – day or night

Boat

• Maintenance – Formula 1

• Heel restraints – short and strong; <53mm

• Bow Balls – properly fitted

• Hatch Covers – properly fitted

• Boat ID – no racing without ID

Skills

• Stopping• Getting attached to a stake-boat• Picking up a “Man Overboard”• Turning around• “Scratching”

Umpiring

• Safety is the primary duty of an Umpire• Instructions for Competitors• Control Commission• Circulation Patterns• Start Procedure